A look at probable starters for Cincinnati football heading into their Sept. 2 opener

Often as elusive as finding what's on page 47 of the President's Book of Secrets in the National Treasure movie series, a college football depth chart can be both informative and mysterious.

We write this as a preface as the University of Cincinnati has not released a depth chart, which puts them in line with most major college programs. That leaves the media to speculate, which is what the following will be: educated speculation. Based on two weeks at Camp Higher Ground, here are the helmets you possibly could see on a frequent basis:

Quarterback

Emory Jones a transfer by way of Florida and Arizona State was sought after in the portal for his dual-threat abilities. UC coach Scott Satterfield's offenses have featured such talents dating back to Armanti Edwards leading Appalachian State to an upset over Michigan in The Big House in 2007.

Next: When Jones missed a couple days after having a tooth pulled, redshirt sophomore Brady Lichtenberg and freshman Brady Drogosh got valuable reps with the No. 1 and No. 2 offenses. Lichtenberg looks to be the second option. while Drogosh could be a long-term answer with his ability to make highlight-reel plays.

"It's really important for me to take advantage of the reps," Lichtenberg said. "I think every day I saw myself get better with the ones, it's a comfortability-type thing."

For Emory Jones, who was the lone offensive player UC brought to Big 12 Media Days in Texas, it's his sixth season of college football.

Running back

The term "running back by committee" has been used a lot but it would appear the front-runners are junior Corey Kiner, the top returning ground-gainer who had 362 yards in 10 games last season, and redshirt sophomore Myles Montgomery, who had 120 yards last season, 104 of those against Kennesaw State.

Montgomery offers the extra-gear burst, while the streamlined Kiner at 215 pounds still can be punishing near the goal line.

"Corey's hard to tackle," offensive coordinator Brad Glenn said. "He's a chain-mover. He breaks tackles, I think he's got really good vision. Again, it's still a work in progress in that room. All of those guys know they have a chance."

Wide receiver

The deepest part of the team has been led by Louisville transfers Braden Smith and Dee Wiggins, thanks to their knowledge of the Satterfield offense. Florida transfer Xzavier Henderson has also shown flashes of chemistry with Emory Jones from their Gator days. Henderson led Florida in receptions with 38 last season.

Behind those three, quarterback-turned-receiver Evan Prater, Washington State transfer Donovan Ollie, Connecticut transfer Aaron Turner, incumbent Chris Scott, freshman Barry Jackson Jr., and North Carolina A&T (Princeton) transfer Sterling Berkhalter have all shown notable flashes.

Tight end

With Josh Whyle and Leonard Taylor off to the NFL, enter Chamon Metayer and Payten Singletary. Redshirt sophomore Metayer has had his "wow" moments and Singletary is a redshirt junior who has bided his time. Redshirt freshman Jesse Meyer and redshirt juniors Michael McCalmont and Barak Faulk would be next in line in what likely will be a lot of two tight-end sets.

Offensive line

The Bearcats made a transfer portal splash here and it's likely you'll see many of the new road graders shuffling in and out around incumbent redshirt junior center Gavin Gerhardt. On Gerhardt's left could be redshirt junior John Williams and senior Dartanyan Tinsley of the old guard, with the right being Louisville transfer Luke Kandra and Kentucky transfer Deondre Buford. Penn's talkative transfer Trevor Radosevich is a versatile replacement, and Southeast Missouri State transfer Phillip Wilder will get his reps along with potential WWE wrestler and former quarterback Cam Jones, redshirt freshmen Jonathan Harder and Ethan Green redshirt sophomore Mao Glynn III who showed some recent feistiness battling UC's defensive line.

Defensive line

Redshirt sophomore Dontay Corleone (Colerain) is on every preseason list imaginable and will anchor the defensive line with senior Jowon Briggs (Walnut Hills) and redshirt senior Eric Phillips (Colerain). Redshirt senior Malik Vann (Fairfield) is also back and Utah State transfer Daniel Grzesiak is listed as a linebacker, but often plays as a defensive lineman.

"This D-line is probably the closest to being the best that I've played on," Vann, a sixth-year player, said.

Linebacker

Considering Grzesiak is somewhat of a hybrid, so is senior Deshawn Pace at the star position, which essentially sends him all over the field making plays, even on special teams.

"DP since I've been here in the spring has probably blocked seven or eight kicks," Satterfield said. "He has a tremendous knack for getting through."

Redshirt sophomore Jack Dingle has dazzled with his speed at 6-4, 238 pounds and Louisville transfer Dorian Jones knows defensive coordinator Bryan Brown's schemes. Redshirt junior New Mexico transfer Dion Hunter has come on as well as redshirt sophomore specimen Jah-Mal Williams who's of equal size with Dingle.

Defensive backs

Three incumbent starters should return in junior safety Bryon Threats, redshirt senior safety Taj Ward and redshirt junior corner Sammy Anderson Jr. They'll likely be teamed with Florida transfer Jordan Young who has walked the walk and talked the talk.

Specialists

Ray Guy Preseason List punter Mason Fletcher is still a weapon as a junior with his consistent hang time and distance. Arizona State transfer Carter Brown is the kicker with redshirt senior Bryce Burton holding and redshirt senior Cayson Pfeiffer snapping and rocking a stylish mullet.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Post-Higher Ground, here's a look at possible UC Bearcat starters